Power transmission



May 28, 1935- R. E. MILLICAN El Al. 2,003,212

' POWER TRANSMISSION Filed Aug. 11, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 1 May 28, 1935.

R. E. MILLICAN ET AL POWER TRANSMISSION,

Filed Aug. 11, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 2 204 5. 1 mm Ward Q. M/M'can May 28, 1935.

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POWER TRANSMI S S ION 9 Sheets-Sheet '7 Filed Aug. 11,1934

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POWER TRANSMI S S I ON Filed Aug. 11, 1934 9 Sheets-Sheet 8 y 1935- R. E. MILLICAN ET AL 2,003,212

POWER TRANSMI SS ION Cir Patented May 28, 1935 UNITED STATES 2,003,212 v POWER TRANSMISSION Roy E. Miilican, Dallas, Tex., and Word R. Millican, Parsons, Kans.

Application August 11,1934, Serial No. 739,380

-19 Claims. (01. 74-3365) riations in the R. P. M. of the power and driving shafts are co-ordinated, all without decelerating the motor.

A particular object of the invention is to automatically control-the selection of fixed gear ratios by means of clutches, whereby constant meshing gears may be employed and the necessary transmission ratios provided by slippage in the clutches.

Another object of the invention is to provide a transmission including a plurality of clutches, each arranged to control the transmission of motion from the engine or prime mover to the driven shaft at a predetermined transmission ratio or drive, together with means controlledby variations in the speed R. P. M. of the drive shaft, for automatically actuating and selecting the proper clutch to set up the transmission ratio or drive, proper for the load imposed upon the driven shaft.

Another object of the invention is to provide a transmission involving a plurality of clutches, individually connected with transmission gears of different ratios; and speed controlled means for automatically actuating hydraulic means for individually operating the clutches.

A further object of the invention is to provide a transmission which, while substantially automatic in operation, may be manually controlled.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a transmission so arranged as to prevent racing of the motor or prime mover when the device is shifted to gear ratios, which are too low; and also to eliminate stalling of the motor when the device is shifted to gear ratios which are too high, all based upon the load on the driven shaft.

A further object of the invention is to provide a plurality of gear-trains, each setting up a different gear ratio, and arranged to remain in con-.

'stant mesh, so that each may be operated independently of the other, whereby a shift may be made from a low to a high gear ratio or vice versa without the necessity of unmeshing said gear trains.

A construction designed to carry out the invention will be hereinafter described, together with other features of the invention.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of the following specifications and by reference to the accompanying drawings, in which an example of the invention is shown, and wherein:

Figure 1 is a longitudinal vertical sectional view of a transmission constructed in accordance with the invention and showing the parts in their normail orstarting position,

Figure 2 is an enlarged longitudinal sectional view of a portion of the clutches,

Figure 3 is a longitudinal vertical view of the transmission gears,

Figure 4 is a tranverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 4-4 of Figure 1,

Figure 5 is a transverse vertical sectional sectional view taken on the line 55 of Figure 1,

Figure 6 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line B-Gof Figure 1,

Figure 7 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line of Figure 1, 1

Figure 8 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 8--8 of Figure 1,-

Figure 9 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line 9-9 of Figure 1,

Figure 10 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line iii-l0 of Figure 1,

Figure .11 is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the'line ll-ll of Figure 1,

Figure 12 is an end elevation of the transmission shown in Figure 1,

Figure 13is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on the line l3l3 of Figurei12,

Figure 14 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view taken on the line il-ll of Figure 12,

Figure 15 is a transverse verticalsectional view taken on the line l5-l5 of Figure 14, and

Figure 16'is a transverse vertical sectional view taken on the line l6-I6 of Figure l i.

General assembly In the drawings the numeral l0 designates a case which is divided into a forward or front section A and a rear section B. The section A -.may have its forward portion shaped in any A drive-shaft il extends longitudinally through a the section A into the section B and is axially alined with a driven-or tail shaft if. The forward end of the drive shaft is reduced at H and is mounted in roller bearings l3 in the hub H of the housing l5 of theclutch assembly C. The hub I4 is rotatably mounted in bearings l5 carried by the box I! of the case ID.

The driven shaft |2 is mounted in bearings I3 at the rear of the section B. The forward end of the driven shaft has a trunnion l9 engaging in roller bearings 20 inserted in the rear endof the drive shaft I I as is shown in Figures 1 and 3. By this arrangement the drive shaft and the driven shaft are free to undergo independent rotation.

Within the housing C are shown three clutches Cl, C2, and C -3 (Figures 1 and 2). Sleeves 2| and 22, as is best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 3, surround the shaft I. The sleeve 22 is mounted to rotate on the drive shaft H and within the sleeve 2|. The clutch assembly Cl connects with the sleeve 2|, while the clutch assembly C2 connects with the sleeve 22. The clutch C3 connects with the drive shaft The sleeve 2| is connected with a gear train or assembly B--| while the sleeve 22 is connected with a gear train or assembly 13-2. A clutch head 23 (Figures 1, 3 and 9) made integral with the rear end of the drive shaft telescopes the hub of a sliding gear 24 splined on the driven shaft l2 and this constitutes a gear train or assembly B-3.

A counter shaft 25 is secured longitudinally in the lower portion ofthe section B of the case M. A counter sleeve 23 is rotatably confined on this shaft as is shown in detail in Figure 3. Elements of the gear trains or assemblies are mounted on this sleeve so as to be individually operated.

From the foregoing it will be seen that when the clutch assembly C is operated, the gear assembly B| will be operated through the agency 'of the sleeve 2|. When the device is being used the gear 24 of the assembly B-3 will be constantly connected with the sleeve 23 by means of a pinion 23' integral with said sleeve, consequently the driven shaft l2 will-be operated whenany of the clutches are operated. The operation of the clutch -3 will effect a direct drive from the shaft II to the shaft l2. The details of these parts will be hereinafter pointed out. These various clutching connections will produce predetermined flxed gear ratios. There will be a certain amount of slippage in each clutch and thereby intermediate transmission ratios will be set up; and in this manner transmission ratios proper for the load imposed will thus be obtained.

One of the important features is a governor G shown in Figure 14. This governor controls a hydraulic unit H, whereby the flow of a fluid, such as oil, under pressure to each clutch is governed. By this means the speed of the engine causes an operation of the governor, whereby a particular clutch is selected and the proper transmission ratio set'up.

The clutch assembly The hub l4 of the clutch assembly is connected to the crank shaft of the engine or motor, or is otherwise connected to be driven by the prime mover. The assembly includes a housing 33 as is best shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4 to ,8, inclusive. The housing 33 includes a front member 'or disk 3|, a rear member or cap 32, a spacing ring 33 and a collar member 34. These clutch members aretied together by transverse bolts 35 so as to rotate as a unit.

- The collar 34 has a reduced internal annular web 33 supporting collars 31 and 33. A ball bearing member 39 mounted in the collar 38 supports the drive shaft II and co-acts with the rollerbearings I3 in the hub i4. The cap 32 is provided with an internal collar 40 surrounding the sleeve 2 This collar co-acts to form an annular chamber 4| formed in the cap for receiving a pis-' ton disk 42 which is slidable longitudinally of the clutch housing. The piston, as is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 4, is recessed to receive a clutch ring 43 carried on one side of a spider 44. On the other side of the spider a clutch ring 45 is provided and arranged to frictionally engage one side of the spacing ring 33.

When the piston 42 is displaced toward the ring 33 it engages the clutch ring 43 and forces the ring 45 into frictional engagement with the ring 33. There will be a certain amount of slippage between the piston and the ring 43, as well as between. the ring 45 and the ring 33, before the clutch relation is fully established. This will permit a variation in transmission ratios. The spider 44 is fastened to an annular flange 43 extending from the collar 41 which is splined on the end of the sleeve 2|; thus when clutch relation is established rotation is imparted from the clutch housing 30 to the sleeve 2|. This operation connects the clutch Cl with the transmission gear assembly B-l. The piston 42 has a marginal flange 43 through which the bolts 35 pass, whereby the piston is held against rotation, independently of the housing, but is free to slide as has been described. Coiled springs 43 carried by the ring 33 engage the piston so as to displace the same from the clutch ring when the fluid pressure is relieved as hereinafter described.

When the piston 42 is displaced the clutch rings 43 and 45 are clamped between said piston and the housing ring 33 and are thus caused to rotate with said housing. The spider 44 being connected with the collar 41 which is fastened on the sleeve 2| transmits motion to said sleeve. While the clutch might be operated in various ways, we prefer to operate the piston hydraulically. 'The hydraulic fluid is supplied from the control assembly H, which will later be described in detail to radial ducts 53 in the cap 32 as is shown in Figures 1, 2 and 6. These ducts discharge into the chamber 4|. By using a hydraulic fluid, such as light weight lubricating oil, the pressure exerted on the piston may be controlled; and the clutch gradually applied so as to provide slippage or quickly applied. according to the pressure exerted, to make for varying transmission ratios, according to, the speed andload requirements and conditions. The piston is provided with a plurality of ducts forming by-passes forany fluid which may be trapped within the piston. Bleeder ports 32 provide escape for the fluid from the housing into the section Act the case II.

The clutches C2 and C3 are very similar, and are substantially the same as the clutch Cl, except as-to certain minor details and. where the parts are substantially the same, the same reference numerals will be used. The

.chambers 4| are formedon opposite sides of the web 33 and a piston 42 is mounted in each of these chambers. One of the pistons is adapted to slide on the collar 33. A spider 44' forming a part of the clutch 0-2 is attached 'to the flange 43' extending from a collar 53 splined on the end of the sleeve 22. This clutch is otherwise like clutch Cl and co-acts with the opposite side of the spacerring 33.

The clutch C3 includes a. spider I44 fastened to a flange I46 extending from a collar 54 splined on the drive shaft II. The remaining parts of the clutch (3-8 are substantially the same as the other clutches. The clutch ring of the clutch C-3 engages the disk 3| when in clutching position. The clutch rings 43 and 45 may be of the usual material used for friction clutches.

For supplying a hydraulic fluid to the clutches C-2 and C3, ducts 55 and 56 are provided.

These ducts lead radially in the cap 32 and then ber 4|. It is desirable to keep the pressurefluid, especially oil, away from the clutch rings 43 and 45 and therefore annular splash guards 51 are fastened to the spiders and 44' and also'the flange I46. vent the fluids from being thrown outwardly by the centrifugal action. Annular guards 58 are 'mounted so as to overhang the flanges 48 as is best shown in Figure 2. These guards prevent the fluid from working inwardly between the clutch rings and their co-acting faces. One or more bleeder ports 59 are made in the disk 3| to provide an escape for the pressure fluid.

The gear assembly A pinion 60 is preferably made integral with the rear end of the sleeve 2| which sleeve is supported in a ball bearing 6| at the front end.

of the case section B. A counter gear 62 is mounted on a ball bearing member 63 carried by the sleeve 26.

for receiving the sleeve 2|. v

A gear 66 is made integral with the rear end of the sleeve 22 and meshes with a counter. pinion 61 mounted on a ball bearing member 68 carried by the sleeve 26 as is-best shown in Figure 3. End thrust washers 69 surrounding the shaft II are interposedJeetween the end of the sleeve '22 and the clutch-head 23, (Figures 1 and 3),

In order that the gear 62 and the pinion 61 may overrun, thus permitting each to operate independently of the other, each of these elements is provided with an annular interior race 10 as is shown in Figures '1, 3 and 9. Rollers 1| are arranged to travel in this race. The sleeve 26 i is provided with inclined faces 12 having sumps,

13 at their lower ends. The rollersv are held apart or spaced by an annular spacer 14 which The hydraulic system For supplying the oil, or other hydraulic fluid to the control H, a slide valve 15, as is shown in Figure 14, or other means, is provided. This valve operatesin a case16, which may be suit.

ably mounted on the vehicle. The valve may These guards act .to pre-,

The end of the sleeve 2| is supported on roller bearings 64 seated in the sleeve 22, which carries end thrust washers be operated in any suitable manner. I have. shown a foot pedal 11 connected to the valve, by a linkage 10. A feed pipe 1.9 extends from the oil pump to a port in the case. A supply pipe 8| leads from port 82 in the case, opposite the.

port 80. 'The pipe 8| is connected through the case I0 to the control H, as is shown in Figure 15. A return line 83 leads from port 84 in the valve case 16, to the pump. The valve 15 has a duct 85, whichwhen the valve is in its normal position, connects the ports 82 and 84, which permits the oil to flow back to the pump, but whereby the supply of oil from the port 80 is cut off. The valve has a reduced portion 86, and by depressing the pedal 11 this reduced portion is moved between the ports 80 and 82, whereby oil is supplied from the pipe 19 to the pipe 8|. The foot pedal may also,-be connected to the carburetor valve through a wire 15" slidable through a flexible conduit 16. The connection between the wire 15' and pedal is such that the pedal moves a sufllcient distance to move the valve 15 to admit fluid to the control H before the wire 15 is moved to open the carburetor valve to speed up the motor. Thus, it isobvious that fluid must be admitted to the control before the engine speed is increased. I

The cap 32 of the housing 30, has a cylindrical hub 81fwhich is mounted to revolve on the sleeve 2| as is shown in Figures 1, 6,14 and 1.5. The hub is mounted to rotate in a bushing 88 which is mounted in a bearing member 89 inthe rear of the section A of the case. The bushing is. provided with annular grooves 91,92 and 93. The. groove 9| communicates through ports 90 with 3 the ducts 50 of the cap 32 which extends into the hub of the housing. The groove 92 connects with the ducts 55 by ports 94 as is shown in Figure I5, while the groove 93 connects with the ducts 56 by ports 95 (Figure 6). v

The bearing member 89 is made integral with a transverseweb 96 which in turn is made integral with the lower portion of the section A of the crank case, as is shown in Figures 14 and 15. A bushing 91 is mounted in the web 96 and supports the forward end of apiston valve 98. As is best shown inFigure 14, a duct 99 extends from an annular groove I00 surrounding the bushing, to a port |0| in the bushing 88, which connects with the groove 9|. tends through the web 96 and connects at one end with a port I03, connected with the groove 92 and at its other end with a groove I 04, on the outside of the bushing-.91 connected with aport I05. A duct I06 connects at one end with a port- I01 connecting with the groove 93 while at its opposite' end, the duct connects with a-port I08 in the bushing 91. The pipe 8| connects with the interior of the bushing 91 through aport I09.

The pistonyalve 98 has a reduced portion 0 within the bore of the bushing 91. When the parts are in their normal positions, as is shown in Figures 1 and 14, the reduced portion I III of the valve establishes communication with the inlet port I09 but communication with the other ports of the bushing is cut off. A duct H extends from the bushing bore to the groove I00, but is closed tothe port I09 by the valve 98.

A gear I I2 is provided with a hub II8, which is journaled on the valve 98, between the bushing 91 and the rear end wall of the section A of the case I0. Radial slots 4 are provided in the gear and its hub, to receive segmental governors which have been referred to before as the gover- A duct |02 exnors G. These governors are pivoted between ears H6 and are provided with gear teeth I" engagingannular teeth H8 on the valve 98. It is obvious that when the gear H2 is revolved, the governors will be swung in the direction of the arrows, (Figure 14) whereby the valve 92 will be slid forwardly into the bushing 91.

The valve issupported in a liner (Figure 14) H9 mounted in the contacting walls of the sectionsA and B. Within the section B the valve 98 is slidable in a sleeve I20 having its rear end secured in the forward end of .a cylindrical housing I 2 I, which is screwed at its rear end onto an annular collar I22 projecting inwardly from the rear wall of the section B. A collar I23 fastened on the valve 98, impinges the rear wall B4 of the case, thus forming a stop and limiting the rearward movement of the valve. A coiled spring .revolving the latter. When this gear is revolved,

the governors G will be displaced, thereby sliding the valve 92 forwardly into the bushing 21, and placing the spring I24 under tension. However, it is pointed out that the normal tension of the spring is such that the idling speed of the motor will have no effect upon the governors and therefore, when the engine, or other prime mover, is

"idling the governors are in their retracted positions, as shown in Figure 14 and no fluid is being admitted to the clutches. As soon as the speed of the engine is increased above idling, the governors swing outwardly and the valve 22 is slid forwardly. The reduced portion IIII of said valve will establish communication between the port I and the duct III, but no oil will flow from the pipe 2| through the port I02, until the foot pedal 11 is pressed to slide the valve I! forwardly and bring the reduced portion 22 between the ports 00 and 22. Since the pedal 11 not only controls the valve I to admit oil to the control H, but also controls the acceleration of the engine, as has been explained, it is obvious that the valve I5 is always opened before the engine is accelerated above an idling speed. This provides a positive admission of the oil when acceleration of the engine takes place. When the valve I5 is slid forwardly, oil under pressure will be discharged from the port I02 and conveyed by the duct III to the groove I00. This oil will flow from the groove I22 by way of the duct 22, port IOI, to the groove 2|, in the bushing 22. From the groove Bl the ,oilwill flow through .the

I ports 90 to the duct 55, and then to the chamber H of the clutch CI, which will thus be operated. This will drive the low gear B-I, whereby motion will be transmitted by way of the sleeve 25 to the pinion 24 on the driven shaft I2.

As the speed ofthe motor increases, the governors G will be further extended, and the valve 98 will thus be supplied through the groove I24, and then by way of the duct I22 to the port I02, to the groove 92. From the groove 22, the oil will flow through the ports 24 to the ducts 25, and then to the chamber 4| of the clutch 0-2. The clutch 0-2 will transmit motion to the sleeve 22 and the gear train B--2, whereby the sleeve 22 will be revolved at a higher rate of speed, than by the gear train B-I. The overrunning mounting of the gear 62 and the pinion 61 will permit these speed variations. The pinion 24 and the shaft I2 will thus be driven at a higher rate of speed. It will be noted that the port I05 and the entrance to the duct I I I are so related that a portion of the port is uncovered before the duct is fully uncovered, this permits a reduced quantity of oil to flow to the clutch C2, before the full supply of oil is conveyed to the clutch CI. The full pressure will not be exerted until the full supply of oil is delivered to the clutch. This coupled with the slippage, between the clutch members, will provide for intermediate trans-v mission ratios between the two fixed gear ratios, provided by the gear trains B--I and B2.

When the motor reaches what is termed high speed, the port I02 is uncovered, and the oil flows through the duct I02 to the port I 01 and then to the groove 23, which is connected with the ducts 56 by the port 95. The oil flowing into the ducts 56 is delivered to the chamber 4| of the clutch C3, whereby said clutch is actuated. The clutch 0-4 is connected directly to the shaft II, and this shaft through the heads 22 and gear 24, drives the driven shaft I2. In this manner, motion is transmitted directly from the drive shaft II to the driven shaft I2, intermediate transmission ratios being provided by clutch slippage. It is pointed out that the reduced portion 22 of the sliding valve I2 is of sufficient length to, remain between the ports 20 and 22 while the pedal 11 is being depressed to accelerate the engine to high speed. In other words, this reduced portion moves between the ports when the pedal is first depressed and remains so during the remainder of the downward movement of said pedal.

Manual control It may be desirable under some conditions to manually operate the piston valve 22. For instance in climbing a hill, or a steep grade, the clutches will be automatically operated to provide the proper transmission ratio for the increased load, but upon reaching the top of the hill and starting downward, the speed of the motor would immediately be increased and there might be a tendency to race the motor. Also some drivers descend hills in second and low gears. Means have been provided whereby the valve 22 may be operated to shift it from a higher to a lower gear ratio and maintain it at such a point if the operator for any reason desires to operate the engine in a lower gear. An annular head I22 is provided on the rear 'endof the piston valve and telescopes a cylindrical cap I2I.

The cap has an internal annular flange I22 (Figare 14) at its forward end in the path of the head I22.. A flexible conduit I22 is fastened in a bracket I24 adjacent the cap and encloses 'a wire I22 which is fastened at one end to the cap, and at its opposite to a plunger I22. The plunger is provided with a plurality of notches I21 adapted to receive a spring dog I22 mounted in a support I22. The spring dog I22 is normally engaged in the uppermost notch'I2'I. when the piston valve 22 is advanced by the governors G, to operate the clutches, the head I20 is carried forwardly; and when said valve is advanced to operate the clutch 0-2, the head I "will be in High speed lock Under certain load conditions, as for instance for slow driving in high gear, it is necessary to fasten the valve 98 in its high speed position, whereby the clutch C-3 is driving the shaft II. For this purpose, an angular latch arm I40 is pivoted in a housing I and is'provided with a roller I42 on one of its ends, and a roller I43 on its'opposite end. The roller I42 engages the valve 98 through a slot I44 in the sleeve I20. When the valve 98 is advanced to its high speed position, the roller I42 rides into a groove I45 in said valve. This fastens the valve in its advanced position. A coiled spring I46 engages the lever outwardly of its pivot point and is placed under tension by a screw I41, mounted in the housing I4I.

A slide I46 is mounted on the housing I2I in a bracket I49 and is provided with a step I50, normally supporting the roller I 43, whereby the roller I42 isheld out of the groove I 45,'againstthe tension of the spring I46. An'operating rod or stiff wire I5I is attached to the slide so that the same may 'be moved longitudinally of the housing. A second step is formed by a set screw I52, and when the slideis moved rearwardly so that the roller I43 drops upon the end of the screw I52, the spring I46 may then exert its pressure to move the roller I42 into the groove I45. By adjusting the screw I52, the depth to which the roller I42 engages in the groove I45 may be regulated. The deeper theroller I42 drops into the groove, the more resistance is offered to the governors G in displacing the valve from this position; and therefore the lower the motor may be throttledjdown in high speed. It

1 is pointed out that the manual control plunger I36 may be used at any time to dislodge the roller I42 and shift the valve 98.

Gear shifting assembly The shifting of the splined gear 24 is manually controlled. The hub of the gear 24 is provided with a groove I60, for receiving a yoke I 6I which is-fastened on a plunger I62 as is best shown in Figures '7, 9, 10 and 13. A cylinder I63 is mounted in the section A on the rear wall there-- of. A piston head I64 attached to said plun is slidable in this cylinder and through case walls. A valve case I65 is mounted on the front end of said cylinder and has communication with the front end of the cylinder through a port I66 as is best shown in Figure 13. A double plug valve I68 is mounted in the case, and has reduced portions I69 and I10. The portion I69 is in constant communication with an inlet line I1I, while the portion I10 is in constant communication withan exhaust port I12. In Figure 13, the valve is shown shifted so as to supply the oil to the rear of the cylinder by way of the duct I61 while communication is established between the port I66 and the exhaust port I12.

The valve I68 is fastened to one end of an actuating wire I14, mounted in a conduit I15,-

fastened in .the cylinder. *{I'his wire is attached to a suitable hand control (not shown), but which may be located on the dashboard or at any suitable point on the vehicle. Inthe position shown in full lines in Figure 13, the gear 24 will mesh with the pinion 26 and the pinion 23. The parts will remain in this position during the forward propelling of the vehicle, and need not be changed unless it is desired to drive the vehicle in a reverse direction- I Reversing assembly- When it is desired to reverse the transmission,

the parts are shifted to' the positionshown in dotted lines in Figure 13, by pulling the wire-I14- to shift the valve I68, whereby the port I66 is connected with the inlet Ill and the duct I61 is opened to exhaust the fluid in the cylinder. By this shifting of the valve I68 the piston I64 is driven to the rear end of the cylinder I 63, and the yoke I6I is shifted to slide the gear 24 out of mesh with the heads 23 and pinion 26 and into mesh with a pinion I16 integral with the rear end of the sleeve 26. At the same time the gear 24 is slid into mesh with a counter pinion. I11, (Figure 11) whereby the rotation of shaft I2 is reversed. It is obvious that the piston I64 is held in one of its two. positions, and the gear 24 is never in a neutral position.

The operation whereby the .valve 15 is slid forwardly (Figure 14) to establish communication from the pipe .19 which is connected with the oil pump, to the pipe 8I which is connected with the-port I09 as is s will be revolved. The gear I25 revolves the pinion I I2 (Figures 7 and 14). The idling speed has no effect on the governors, and they remain in their retracted positions. As the pedal is further depressed the motor is speeded up and the governors G are actuated to slide the valve 98 forwardly in the bushing 91. v

As the governors G swing outwardly and pull the piston valve' 98 forwardly, the reduced portion I I0 of the valve establishes communication between the port I09 and the duct III, whereby oil from the pipe 8| may flow to the groove I00 (Figure 14). The oil is conveyed from the groove I 00 through the duct 99 and a port I M to the groove 9| in the bushing 88. From the groove 9i the oil enters the ducts 50 through the ports 90 and flows to the chamber 41 0f the low gear clutch C--I. The oil being under pressure'moves the piston 42 into contact with the clutch ring 43, (Figures .2 and 4). This forces the clutch ring 45 into engagement with a housing ring 33,

whereby rotation is contributed to the spider 44.

The spider 44 rotates the sleeve 2|, whereby the gear train BI (Figures 1 and 3) is set in motion.

When the pinion 60 of the gear train BI is revolved, it revolves the gear 62. This gear is revolved so that the roller 1I picks up the sleeve 26 and rotates the same. The sleeve 26 through I v 30 With the parts as shown in the drawings, the operator or driver depresses the foot pedal .11

will permit a partial transmission of motion, but at a reduced ratio. as the slippage decreases, the transmission ratio will increase.

Asthespeedofthemotorandthespeedof the vehicle build up the governorsG will be further extended and the valve 88 (Figures 14 and 15) will be slid further into the bushing 81. This will gradually bring the reduced portion IIO of the valve into communication with the port I05, but it will be noticed that the port I05 is uncovered before the duct is fully uncovered. When the port I05 is uncovered, oil will flow through the groove I04, through passage I02, through port I03, to the groove 82. From the groove 82 the oil will flow through the port 84 into the ducts 55 and then to the chamber 4I of the clutch -2, which will be operated. The clutch 0-2 drives the sleeve 22 which in turn drives the gear assembly 3-2. This may be called the intermediate or second gear, and includes a gear 66 and the pinion 51, which through an overrunning connection drives the counter sleeve 26, which as before described, is already driving the gear 24 of the driven shaft I2.

When the gear train B2 is operated it will revolve the sleeve 26 at a higher rate of speed than the low gear train and consequently the gear 62 will become an overrunning gear, permitting said sleeve to revolve at a faster rate of speed. There will be a certain amount of slippage in the overrunning connections as well as in the clutches C-l and 0-2. Also the full oil pressure will not be supplied to the clutch C--'I until the clutch C-2 has started operating. From this it will be obvious that innumerable transmission ratios will be established, and practically any load imposed upon the shaft I2 will be properly handled by the transmission.

When the engine reaches its high speed or approaches it, the valve 88 (Figure 14) will be moved forwardly to uncover the port I08, whereby oil will flow through the duct I06, port I81 to the groove 88. From the groove 88 oil will flow through the ports 85,to the ducts 56, whereby the clutch (2-8 will be operated and the drive shaft II will be directly-driven. The full supply of oil will not be delivered to the clutch 0-8 until the port I08 is fully uncovered and therefore provision is made for slippage of the clutch and variable speed transmissions. The overrunning transmission gears permit the gear 23 on the rear end of the drive shaft I I to directly drive the gear 24, whereby motion is contributed to the shaft I2. when the engine is operating in direct drive or high gear, the release of the pedal 11 will decelerate the engine to idling speed and will also slide the valve I rearwardly to close communication between the ports 80 and 82 and establish communication between the ports 82 and 84, whereby the fluid is released from the clutches C-I, C2 and C3. Thus, when the pedal is released, the engine is operated at idling speed and all the clutches are disengaged, whereby free wheeling of the transmission is provided.

When it is desired to reverse the transmission, the operator merely has to actuate the wire II4 (Figure 13) to shift the valve I68, whereby the piston I64 is moved rearwardly in the cylinder I63 as is shown in dotted lines in Figure 13. This causes the plunger rod I62 to shift the yoke (Figures 1, and 13), whereby the gear 24 is slid out of mesh with the heads 28 and pinion 26. The.-

gear 24 is thus shifted into mesh with a counter pinion I'I'I which meshes with a pinion I16 on the rear end of the counter sleeve 28 (Figures 1,

11 and 13). By this shifting of the transmission gears the shaft I2 may be driven in a reverse direction by either the low gear or the intermediate gear.

If the transmission is operated in high gear or in second gear and if itis-desired to manually shift it to a lower gear, the operator merely has to pull on the plunger I86 to operate the cap I8I (Figure 14) whereby the valve 88 will be retracted and the proper clutch actuated according to which notch I 31 the dog I38, is engaged with. When it is desired to fasten the valve 88 in its high gear position, whereby the clutch 0-3 is operated, the operator pulls the wire I5I rearwardly (Figure 14). This moves the slide I48 so that the roller I43 drops down upon'the screw I52 which permits the spring I46 to force the roller I42 into the groove I45. This arrangement is desirable where one wishes to drive slowly in high gear, as in traffic. The valve may be released by moving the slide I 48 forwardly to swing the lever I40 and withdraw the roller I42 from the groove I45.

The manual control and the setting whereby the transmission may be held in'high gear even though the engine is throttled down to a slow speed make for the success of the apparatus,

By observing Figure 14 it will be seen that when the roller I43 rests upon the step I50 the roller I42 is held out of the groove I45 and the governors G are free to slide the valve 88 without interference from the high speed lock. However, when the slide I48 is moved to permit the roller I48 to drop down, upon the screw I52, the roller I42 will the adjustment of the screw I52. .These parts may be set so that the valve 88 will be held in its high speed position only during a slight reduction in speed; however. should the slide I48 be pulled back far enough that the roller I48 will not be supported, then the entire tension of the spring I46 would be exerted and its roller I42 would be held in the groove I until the speed was reduced to idling speed or slightly below.

The description which has been given recites more or less detail of a particular embodiment of the invention, which is set forth as new and useful; however, I desire it understood that the invention is not limited to such exact details of construction, because it is manifest that changes and modifications may be made, within the scope of the appended claims, without departing from nected with said gears and said clutches, a valve,

controlling the flow of hydraulic fluids to each clutch, a speed responsive governor operatively connected with said valve controlling the actuation of said clutches, and manually operated means for shifting said valve to limit the operation. of the clutches to predetermined speed ratios.

2. A- transmission comprising, transmission gears, a plurality of hydraulic clutches connected with said gears, a driven shaft connected with .said gears and said clutches, a valve controlling the flow of hydraulic fluids to each clutch, a speed governor operatively connected with said valve controlling the actuation of said' clutches, and manually actuatedmeans for locking the valve in position to maintain the high speed clutch in operation.

3. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of gear trains each including 'overrunning gears, a drive shaft, a driven "shaft adapted to be connected to saidgears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which haveone part permanently connected to said gears and one of which has one part adapted to be directly connected to the drive shaft thereby providing predetermined gear ratios, whereby the operation of a particular clutch sets up a transmission ratio diiferent from those set up by the other clutches, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of the clutches at the same time and in sequence, means for supplying fluid under pressure, speed responsive means for directing the supply of pressure fluid to said hydraulic means to actuate. one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, whereby a continuous transmission of power uninterrupted by speed variations is set. up, and manually operated means adapted to restrain the speed responsive means against speed responsive actuation during a predetermined speed range, whereby a selected, transmission ratio may be maintained during said range.

4. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of gear trains each including overrunning gears, a drive shaft, a driven shaft adapted to be connected to said gears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which have one part permanently connected to said gears and one of which has one part adapted to be directly connected to the drive shaft thereby providinglpredetermined gear ratios, whereby the operation'of a particular clutch sets up a transmission ratio different from those set up by the .means for speed responsive actuation during other speed ranges.

5. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of gear trains each including overrunning gears, a drive shaft, a driven shaft adapted to be connected to said gears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which have one part permanently connected to said gears andone of which has one part adapted tobe directly connected to the drive shaft thereby providing predetermined gear ratios,

whereby the operation of a particular clutch sets up a transmissionratio difiere'nt from-those set up by the other clutches, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of the clutches at the same time and in sequence, means for supplying fluid under pressure, speed responsive means fordirectingthe supply of pressure fluid to said hydraulic means toactuate one or more of said'clutches at the same time and in sequence, whereby a continuous transmission of power uninterrupted by speed variations is set up, and manually oper-J ated means for moving the speed responsive means to set up a predetermined gear ratio,

whereby said speed responsive means is free to move to another gear-ratio position.

6. An automatic transmission comprising, a

to be connected to said gears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which have one part permanently connected to said gears and one of which has one part adapted to be directly connected to the drive shaft thereby providing predetermined gear ratios,

whereby the operation of a particular clutch sets up a transmission ratio difierent from those setv up by the other clutches, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of the clutches at the same time plurality of gear trains each including overrun .ning gears, a drive shaft, a driven shaft adapted and in sequence, means for supplying fluid under pressure, a valve having speed responsive actuating means and acting to direct the supply of pressure fluid to said hydraulic means to actuate one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, whereby a continuous transmission of power uninterrupted by speed varia-. tions is set up, and manually operated means adapted to restrain thev valve againstspeed 'responsive actuation during a predetermined speed range, whereby a predetermined transmission ratio may be maintained during said range.

7. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of gear trains each including overrun ning gears, a drive shaft, a driven shaft adapted to be connected to said gears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which have one part permanently connected to said gears. and one of which has one part adapted to be directly connected to the drive shaft thereby providing "predetermined gear ratios,

whereby the operationof a particular clutch' sets up a transmission ratio diiferent from those set up by the other clutches, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of the clutches at the same time and in sequence, means for supplying fluid under pressure, a valve having speed responsive actuating means and acting to direct the supply of pressure fluid to said hydraulic means to actuate one or more of said clutches at the same-'time'and in sequence, whereby a continuous transmission of power uninterrupted by speed variations is set up, and manually operated means for holding said valve in a fixed position during a predetermined speed range and releasing said valve for speed responsive actuations during other speed ranges.

8. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of gear trains each including overrunning gears, a driveshaft, a driven shaft adapted to be connected to said gears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which have one part permanently connected to said gears and one of which hasonepart adapted to be directly connected to the drive shaft thereby providing predetermined gear ratios, whereby the operation of a particular clutch sets up a transmission ratio different from those set up by the other clutches, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of the clutches at the same time and in sequence, means for supplying fluid under pressure, a valve having speed responsive actuating means and acting to direct the supply of pressure fluid to said hydraulic means to actuate one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, whereby a continuous transmission of power uninterrupted speed -variatransmission ratio may be maintained during tions is set up, and manually operated means for moving the valve to set up a predetermined gear ratio, whereby said speed responsive means is free to move said valve .to another gear-ratio position.

9. An automatic transmission comprising, a

plurality of clutches, revolving transmission members individually connected to individual clutches, each clutch and its connected transmission member setting upa different gear ratio from those set up by the other clutches and their transmission members, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for operating one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, means controlling the actuation of said hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said controlling means and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed differentials, and manually operated means adapted to restrain the speed responsive means against speed responsive actuation during a predetermined speed range, whereby a selected transmission ratio may be'maintained during said range.

10. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, revolving transmission members individually connected to individual clutches, each clutch and its connected transmission member setting up a different gear ratio from those set up by the other clutches and their transmission members, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for operating one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, means controlling :the actuation of said hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said controlling means and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed differentials, andmanually operated means for holding said speed responsive means in a fixed position during a predetermined speed -range and 1 releasing said means for speed responsive actuation during other speed ranges.

11. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, revolving transmission members individually connected to individual clutches, each clutch and its connected transmission member setting up a diiIerent gear ratio from those setup by the other clutches and their transmission members, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for operating one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, means controlling the actuation of said hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said controlling means and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed differentials, and manually operated means for moving the speed responsive means to set up a predetermined gear ratio, whereby said speed responsive means is free to move to another gearratidposition.

12. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, revolving transmission members individually connected to individual clutches, each clutch and its connected transmission member setting up adifierent gear ratio from those set up by the other clutches and their transmission members, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for operating one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, a valve controlling the actuation of said hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said controlling means and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed difierentials, and manually operated means adapted to restrain the valve againstspeed responsive actuation during a predetermined ,speed range, whereby a redetermined said range.

13. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, revolving transmission members individually connected to individual clutches, each clutch and its connected transmission member setting up a different gear ratio from those set up by the other clutches and their transmission members, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for operating one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, a valve controlling the actuation of said hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said controlling means and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed differentials, and manually operated means for holding said valve in a fixed position during a predetermined speed range and releasing said valve for speed responsive actuation during other speed ranges.

14. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, revolving transmission members individually connected to individual clutches, each. clutch and its connected transmission member setting up a different gear ratio from those set up by the other clutches and their transmission members, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for operating one or more of said clutches at the same time and in sequence, a valve controlling the actuation of said hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said sontrolling means and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed difierentials, and manually operated means for moving the valve to set up a predetermined gear ratio, whereby said speed responsive means is free to move said valve to another gear-ratio position.

15. An automatic transmission comprising, a

plurality of clutches, transmitting members adapted to be connected with a part or each clutch, means adapted to drive said clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of said clutches at the same time, a pressure fluid supply conductor, pressure fluid distributing conductors connected with said hydraulic means for supplying pressure fluid thereto, a movable valvecontrolling the passage of pressure fluid iom the supply conductor to individual distributing conductors to actuate one or more of the clutches at the same time, a speed responsive governor connected with said valve and operating the same, and manually operated means adapted to move 'said valve independently of said governor actuation to establish communication between the supply conductor and manually selected distributing conductors. 1

16. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, transmitting members adapted to be connected with a part of each clutch, means adapted to drive said clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more oi. said clutches at the same time, a. pressure fluid supply conductor, pressure fiuid distributing conductors connected with said hydraulic means for supplying pressure fluid thereto, a movable valve controlling the passage of pressure fluid from the supply conduct-or to individual distributing conductors to actuate one or more of the clutches at the same time, a speed responsive governor connected with said valve and operating the same, and means adapted to hold said valve in an adjusted position to maintain a predetermined transmission ratio in opposition to speed responsive actuation by said governor.

17. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of clutches, transmitting members adapted to be connected with a part of each clutch, means .adapted to drive said clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of said clutches at the same time, a pressure fluid supply conductor, pressure fluid distributing conductors connected with said hydraulic means for supplying pressure fluid thereto, a movable valve controlling the passage of pressure fluid from the supply conductor to individual distributing conductors to actuate one or more of the clutches at the same time, a speed responsive governor connected with said valve and operating the same, means adapted to hold said valve in an adjusted position to maintain a predeterminedtransmission ratio in opposition to speed responsive actuation by said governor, and means for adjusting the holding means to vary the resistance offered to the actuation of the valve by the governor.

18. In an automatic transmission, a plurality of clutches, transmission members connected with and driven by said clutches, means adapted to drive said clutches, hydraulically actuated means connected with said clutches for operating the same, a slide valve controlling the passage of pressure fluid to said actuating means, said valve having a portion provided with a recess, a speed responsive governor sliding said valve, a pivoted locking element having one end engaging in the recess oithe said valve portion to hold the valve against actuation by said governor, a support sustaining said locking element, and means for manually adjusting said support.

19. An automatic transmission comprising, a plurality of gear trains each including overrunning gears, a drive shaft, a driven shaft adapted to be connected to said gears and directly to said drive shaft, a plurality of clutches certain of which have one part permanently connected to said gears and one of which has one part adapted to be directly connected to the drive shaft thereby' providing predetermined gear ratios, whereby the operation of a particular clutch sets up a transmission ratio different from those set up by the other clutches, means adapted to drive the clutches, hydraulic means for actuating one or more of the clutches at the same time and in sequence, means for supplying fluid under pressure, means controlling the actuation of said.

hydraulic means, a speed responsive device actuating said controlling means' and thereby setting up sequent transmission ratios without fixed difierentials, and manually operated means adapted to maintain the supply of pressure fluid to the clutch of highest transmission ratio irrespective of speed variations.

ROY E. MHLICAN.

WORD R. MILLICAN.- 

